News - Randolph Record

04 Apr

Concert series in Asheboro to bring back popular band

Bob SuttonEntertainment, Events, NewsAsheboro, Bicentennial Park, summer concert series

Number of Sunday events reduced, but longer shows ASHEBORO – One band is returning based on popular demand, while there’s a bit of a revamped schedule for spring and summer concerts in Asheboro. Downtown Asheboro Inc. and the City of Asheboro have put together a lineup of Friday and Sunday concerts at Bicentennial Park. First things first: On the Border is coming back as the lead-off for the Friday night series. “There were multiple requests to bring them back,” said Addie Corder, executive director of Down Asheboro Inc. “They had the availability and they love playing in Asheboro.” On the…

02 Apr

Board of Education passes support for Randolph County School System growth plan

Ryan HenkelNewsLiberty, Randleman, Randolph County School System, Randolph County Schools, RCSS, Stephen Gainey

Construction of a new Liberty Elementary School and Randleman High School are the main focus of the plan ASHEBORO – The Randolph County Schools Board of Education approved the first phase of the school system’s growth plan at its final March meeting. “Phase one of our growth plan is really focused on facility and student assignment needs associated with our current school facilities,” superintendent Stephen Gainey said. The two main items are the construction of a new elementary school in Liberty and high school in Randleman. “The preference will be to build Randleman High School and Liberty Elementary at the same…

31 Mar

Changes coming in large doses for Asheboro/Randolph Chamber

Bob SuttonNewsAsheboro/Randolph Chamber, Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, Kelly Heath

Kelly Heath is interim president of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber. (Courtesy photo) Search firm to be used to find new president ASHEBORO – Changes are in the works for the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber, with a search firm hired to assist in the selection of a new president. “It’s going to take someone who’s coming in with a vision,” said HR Gallimore, who’s chair of the Chamber’s executive committee. “We’re looking forward to finding the right person.” Linda Brown left her post as president of Asheboro/Randolph Chamber months ago to take a job at Randolph Community College. Kelly Heath, a past chair of…

29 Mar

Following launch, Brightspeed has work to do beyond running fiber

Scott PelkeyNewsBrightspeed, randolph county

Brightspeed held a ceremony to launch its fiber network recently in Asheboro. (Scott Pelkey/Randolph Record) ASHEBORO — Brightspeed held an event last week at its Asheboro office officially launching its new fiber network, but the company has work to do, not only running more fiber but with the community itself. Brightspeed, a subsidiary of private equity firm Apollo Global Management, was founded in 2021 by three former Verizon executives. In October 2022, the company acquired Lumen Technologies, including its DSL and landline phone services across 20 states, as part of a $7.5 billion deal. Locally, that sale included CenturyLink, its…

29 Mar

Foster care prevention program expands to Randolph County

Randolph RecordNewsFoster care, randolph county

Special to Randolph Record An organization dedicated to keeping children out of the state's foster care system is expanding its reach to Randolph County, thanks to a new state contract. The Homebuilders program puts trained staff within a family's home for three to five days a week, a total of 10 hours, to help improve child safety and help kids stay at home by removing risk rather than removing the child. Crossnore Communities for Children is the company behind the program, which has seen success in pilots since 2021. The company says it has served 62 children and families, with…

20 Mar

Making space

Randolph RecordNewsasheboro mall, maker and merchant

Randolph Record Staff ASHEBORO — Shoppers who prefer their retail fixes from local businesses don’t typically start at a mall. But a new store at Asheboro Mall is bringing local vendors to the big retail space with the goal of showcasing their creations and offerings through a unique brick-and-mortar experience. The Maker and Merchant is a multivendor marketplace that offers creators, makers and sellers the opportunity to have the scale of a large retail storefront without many of the burdens that can be a drain — both financially and operationally — for businesses with limited inventory, small production volume or…

20 Mar

Asheboro council approves new housing, water grants

Ryan HenkelNewsasheboro council, City of Asheboro Council

Asheboro is one step closer to getting some new housing units as the Asheboro Council approved a rezoning request for an extension of the Arlington Square community. The approval, which signs off on development plans calling for 180 two-bedroom units, happened at the council’s Thursday, March 7 meeting alongside a number of other issues. The rezoning request, affecting just under 16 acres located adjacent to 1901 North Fayetteville Street will allow for a residential development with multiple family dwelling units with a floor area ratio up to 22%. According to Community Development Director Trevor Nuttall, the development will, in essence,…

19 Mar

Grays Chapel set for 100 years of school memories

Bob SuttonEvents, NewsEastern Randolph, Franklinville, Grays Chapel Elementary School, Providence Grove, Randolph County School System, Randolph County Schools

Grays Chapel Elementary School students gather for a photo last week in advance of the 100-year celebration at the school. (Photo courtesy of Dan Routh) FRANKLINVILLE – The 100-year celebration for Grays Chapel Elementary School this weekend means countless families will rekindle their connections and memories. That’s the whole idea involving this event. “To me, it’s the community involvement in the school that makes it so special,” said April Wood, a kindergarten teacher. “It’s a close-knit community that supports the school. I think that’s the best part about it.” Wood and fellow kindergarten teacher Jennifer Macfayden have been leading…

13 Mar

Kiwanis Club will hold 75th Pancake Day

Randolph RecordNewsKiwanis Club, Pancake Day

ASHEBORO — A 75-year tradition will continue next week at the Asheboro Armory. The Asheboro Kiwanis Club will hold its annual Pancake Day on Tuesday, March 19. The club will offer pancakes, sausage and beverages for lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and supper from 3:30-8 p.m. Patrons can opt for dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru during those times. Prior to 2020, the club offered breakfast options but has eliminated the early shift since. The Pancake Day event is the primary fundraiser for the Asheboro Kiwanis Club and dates back to the 1940s. Former state senator Russell Walker was the inspiration for…

13 Mar

Randolph approves funds for RCC Liberty campus

Ryan HenkelNewscampus, Randolph County Board of Commissioners, RCC

The Randolph County Board of Commissioners met Monday, March 4, considering utility funding, real estate purchases for Randolph Community College (RCC), and other issues. RCC was seeking $1.5 million to acquire a 22-acre tract of land for the college’s new Liberty Center, designed for workforce development and expansion. It would be funded through accumulated Article 46 sales tax funds, according to interim county manager Will Massie. “We want to be at the center of where the action is at this point and get closer to the megasite and other corporations that are going to be around that area,” said Richard…